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Pap smear question?

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So, I am going in for my first doctors appointment soon (my first pregnancy). And to my knowledge, at the first appointment you are usually given a pap smear. Well due to some events that have taken place in my life (being sexually abused and molested) I cry and hyperventilate at the thought of someone probing around down there. I know it's best for my unborn loved one, but do you think I could tell the examiner I'd like to put the pap smear off until I feel a little more comfortable with her? This is the only way I can see me actually getting it done without having a full-fledged panic attack.... Thanks in advance!

Mom Answers

The procedure is not going to get more comfortable, I have been sexually abused in the past myself and understand what you're going through. Try have a nurse holding your hand and talking with you, or if your comfortable, have a friend or family member with you. But definitely let your doctor know how you feel. It's is VERY important that you have the exam, and they will most likely get it over with as quickly and painless as possible. It's worth getting done.

Talk w/ her. If you tell her it's your first and how uncomfortable you are w/ a vaginal exam, she will understand and should be able to help. Like pp said, she can explain everything step by step. But if thhe test finds anything, it's better detected early to minimize risk to you and your baby. I had mine @ 7 weeks, it can be a little uncomfortabe, but it is necessary.

I would just talk to her and tell her how you feel and then try to go through with it. Im sure its hard for you but it cant be easy to keep thinking that it is going to happen. Bring someone with you to support and try to stay strong.Its best to face it because if there is an infection or anything that they dont find until later on in the pregnancy it could harm you and the baby.

I also had abuse, but the doctor being down there has not bothered me at all because I know shes going in, and I'm allowing her to do it. Ask you doctor if she can give you a step by step explanation while she does her exam, as that should help too. I went for my first exam. I'm 19 with my first and have never had a pap smear. She said she wanted to wait until about the 20 week mark. So, there is a good chance that you can get to know her first. Hope this helps.

It's really unfortunate that you had to go through sexual abuse. But these test are important and should not be delayed, especially at the beginning of the pregnancy. What if you have an infection that needs to be treated? They are very common in pregnancy and if left untreated it could be passed on to your baby. Pap swear are the lease invasive vaginal exams you will go through. As hard as it is for you, now is the time to get comfortable. Maybe bring someone you really trust with you during the exam, if you need comforting, it might help you. I had the same doctor for both my pregnancies, and to be honest, comfort was never really there. It can be uncomfortable no matter who your provider is. So switching will probably not help. What are you going to do during labor? Not to scare you or anything, but with all the doctors and nurses assisting during birth it can unpredictable. There will be a lot of poking and probing. Good luck Hun! Be strong and find something to help you focus.

If I never feel comfortable with her, I will switch providers. Because if I feel uncomfortable and let her go through with it, I could end up doing something I regret. Like kicking, screaming, or even worse - inadvertently hurting my baby.

i feel that its better to get it done and over with. what if you never end up getting comfortable with your doctor and never end up doing it. and keep in mind that your doctor is gonna have plenty of vagina test and plenty of touching down there to make sure everything is ok. so how will you deal with all of this later on? i think you should have a talk with her before anything. and let them know first hand.

Omg.....please don't have a pap smear. At 13 weeks I had a pap smear. It was the most painful pap ever. I had bleeding for 3 days (over the weekend). I thought I had a miscarriage. It's not worth it. A pap smear can wait..........

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